High-Quality Machine Embroidery Designs Since 2001

FSL Battenberg Fairy Tale Bird Table Runner

The FSL Battenberg Fairy Tale Bird Lace is a set of two designs, which can be embroidered several times and assembled into a lace table-runner or edge lace. The finished size of our table runner is about 10" x 21 1/2".

Stabilizers: We recommend to use water-soluble mesh, such as Vilene. Vilene D0102 is a non woven dissolvable stabilizer which is imported into the US, is sold in large rolls and is sometimes repackaged under different brand names. Two of these brand names are Wash-Away and Aqua Magic. Film-like water soluble stabilizers, such as Solvy, are not suitable for Free-Standing Lace embroidery.

Threads: The thinner the thread, the finer the final product will be. That is why we recommend that at least one of the threads, either in the bobbin or in the needle, should be cotton, which gives bulk to the lace and makes it look hand-made. Embroidery rayon or polyester threads will make very fine weblike lace.

If you are using 50- or 60-weight cotton, you can use it both in the bobbin and in the needle. If you use 40-weight cotton thread for the needle, you can use regular polyester bobbin thread.

We used Signature machine quilting cotton thread, but similar threads from other companies should work just as well.

Needles: We use size 80/12 embroidery needles and 80/12 metallic needles. In our experience, cotton thread used with metallic needles gives less lint. The needles should be sharp, so it's advisable to change them after every project.

Most Importantly: ALWAYS make a test stitch-out of the design and wash away the stabilizer. This helps you to select the threads, needles, stabilizers and settings of your machine correctly. DO NOT embroider several designs in one hoop.

Making the Table Runner

You receive 2 files: "BattenBird1" and "BattenBird2".

The stitch-out of the first file looks like the picture below:

Make a test stitch-out of this file. If you are satisfied with the results, embroider the file 2 times as it is. Then, on your machine, make the mirror image of the file and embroider it 2 times more.

The stitch-out of the second file looks like the picture below:

Embroider this file 2 times as it is. Then, on your machine, make the mirror image of the file and embroider it 2 more times.

Rinse the stabilizer, spread the parts neatly on a towel and leave to air dry.

Press all parts with steam.

On your working table, lay out the designs as shown on the diagram below.

Manually, join the parts in the places marked in red. Use the same thread with which you made the embroidery.

Note: The diagram shows only one half of the table runner. Assemble the second half in the same manner. Then join both halves.